Vocalo Radio

Last summer, social justice organizer Damon A. Williams and producer Daniel Kisslinger released a six-part documentary podcast titled ‘Help This Garden Grow,’ which highlights the legacy of Hazel M. Johnson. Known to many as “The Mother of Environmental Justice,” Johnson fought for better environmental practices in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens. Williams and Kisslinger hope their podcast can educate the Chicago community and beyond on Johnson’s important environmental justice work, and prompt future generations to continue her fight. This segment was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. You can find ‘Help This Garden Grow’ on most podcast platforms, and follow Respair Media & Production on Instagram @respairmedia.

DJ Dynamiq is a world touring DJ, performing at major events and festivals, including the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago. He made his festival debut at Chicago’s inaugural Sueños Festival and has been a lineup staple every year since. This year’s festival featured headliners Rauw Alejandro, Peso Pluma and Maluma, and as Dynamiq has witnessed Sueños evolve over the years, the festival maintains one main stage, relying on the DJs to keep up the energy. DJ Dynamiq sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to reflect on DJing at Sueños, keeping the audience engaged, and the other opportunities his DJ career has brought him. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Dynamiq on Instagram @djdynamiq for updates and information on upcoming events.

Growing up in a musical family, Chicago artist Face learned to mix and master her own beats during the pandemic. On March 26, she headlined Schubas Tavern — joined onstage by fellow Chicago artists Ine’a J and Kiraly Payne — performing songs from her sophomore EP ‘Paragon.’ Released February 14, the artist reflects on family and relationships throughout the project. This summer, Face is gearing up to perform at Navy Pier's Skyline Sessions on July 26, debuting her new song "Symphony" alongside Jay Wood and Kaicrewsade. Face sat down with Vocalo host Bekoe to discuss generational musical talent, Women’s History Month, how she got her name and how sometimes you’re the problem in the relationship. This interview was produced by Bekoe, and edited by Morgan Ciocca. Keep up with Face on Instagram @shesface.

DJ Fredy Fresco is the host, MC and DJ for Sueños 2024, known for his lively DJ sets and electrifying stage presence. Fresco was only 13 years old when he started spinning records in his family’s apartment, which became his training ground for his craft in mixing. Now, he has established himself as a versatile DJ and performer and is also one of the official festival DJs for Sueños, Chicago’s largest Latin music festival being held in Grant Park on May 25 and 26. He sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to share about his journey as a DJ and his involvement with Sueños. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Find DJ Fredy Fresco on Instagram @djfredyfrescoofficial for updates and information on upcoming events.

As a lifelong Chicagoan, Brandon Johnson wishes more people could see the city through the eyes of the mayor. Growing up in a faith-centered family on the “West West” Side of Chicago, serving the community has always been a deeply-instilled passion in Johnson’s life. After becoming a public school teacher in Cabrini-Green, Johnson was galvanized to pursue politics — later becoming a Cook County commissioner and the 57th mayor of Chicago, “the greatest freaking city in the world.” This is what his Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Find the mayor on Instagram @chicagosmayor.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the newest addition to the ‘Mad Max’ franchise, ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’ Set against the backdrop of a war-torn landscape, this female revenge story follows Furiosa's quest for freedom after being captured by the warlord Dr. Dementus. With a stellar cast including Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa, Chris Hemsworth as Dr. Dementus and Tom Burke as Immortan Joe, ‘Furiosa’ offers a gripping tale of resilience and ambition. The Reel Critic feels this prequel stands as a worthy addition to the ‘Mad Max’ universe. The film lands in theaters May 24. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Miriam Paz is a resident Sueños Music Festival DJ and founder of women-only party series Sorry Papi. A key DJ performing with the festival since its inception, Paz has paved the way for more female representation in the festival’s lineup. Ahead of the festival, she’ll be hosting an annual pop-up event on May 21 with merch and prizes (including festival passes) from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Gallery in Wicker Park. She’s also the co-founder of Sorry Papi, a female-only reggaeton party series which has a set at this year’s festival. Paz sat down with Vocalo ahead of the pop-up to talk about becoming the first female DJ at Sueños and founding Sorry Papi. This interview was produced by Nudia Hernandez. Keep up with Miriam Paz on Instagram @miriampaz_91 for updates and RSVP information on upcoming events.

Chicago DJ and all-around music man Jesse De La Peña hosts Vocalo’s 5 O’Clock Mix and Friday Night DJ Series, and plays a key part in shaping the station’s sound. Growing up all around Chicago, Jesse started out as a DJ in his early teens — inspired by his mother’s disco records, Chicago’s hip-hop scene and the diverse music broadcasting on local radio stations. He joined Team Vocalo in 2011 as a music curator, going on to establish the Vocalo DJ collective and shape the station’s sound into what you hear today. This is what his Chicago sounds like. Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia highlights members of the Vocalo Team for the last several segments of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like.” Jesse’s shows, the 5 O’Clock Mix and Friday Night DJ Series, are scheduled to end on May 28. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Follow Jesse on Instagram @jdlp and Twitter @jessedelapena.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” shares his thoughts on ‘Back to Black,’ Sam Taylor-Johnson’s new biopic on the life, legacy and untimely death of renowned singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. From rising star to five-time Grammy winner, ‘Back to Black’ documents Winehouse’s journey and humanizes her struggle with substance abuse. The film fills in the gaps in Winehouse’s life, untold by the media. ‘Back to Black’ hit theaters May 17. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Since April 30, DePaul University students and pro-Palestinian protesters have been camped on the school’s Lincoln Park campus, joining hundreds of students internationally in solidarity with Gaza. Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia spoke with participants about their goals, their thoughts on the importance of solidarity with Gaza and what the encampment means to them. This segment was edited and produced by Ari Mejia.

Danny Ruiz is a candle maker whose artistry transcends wax and wick. As the founder of RUIZ Atelier, he creates memory-driven candle scents steeped in the essence of his grandmother’s Mexico home. For Ruiz, crafting candles is more than just a business and each candle in his collection serves as a vessel for memory. This segment was produced by contributor Edgar Lopez, a past participant of Vocalo’s storytelling workshop and a high school friend of Ruiz. It was edited by Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer, and storytelling workshop facilitator, Ari Mejia. Learn more about RUIZ Atelier by following them on Instagram @ruizatelier.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ continues the franchise's thought-provoking commentary on humanity — and Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the new film. Directed by Wes Ball, the film opens to a newly-emerged power dynamic with the apes, once subjugated, reigning supreme over the humans. It follows the struggle for power and freedom as Proximus Caesar asserts dominance, and humanity grapples with its new reality. The film offers a captivating exploration of societal dynamics and the human condition, and Ponder says it's a worthy addition to the franchise. The film hit theaters on May 8. Find showtimes at 20thcenturystudios.com. “The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Bekoe has been Vocalo’s morning host for the last four and a half years. From his teenage years of making beats for aspiring high school rappers to his commitment to local music discovery at iLLANOiZE and Vocalo, Bekoe’s passions have always centered on uplifting Chicago’s music scene. Through highlighting Chicago talent, Bekoe hopes to create a platform for the local artists of today and tomorrow. This is what his Chicago sounds like. As Vocalo’s terrestrial signal shuts down at the end of May, Vocalo audio and community storytelling producer Ari Mejia highlights members of the Vocalo Team for the last several segments of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like.” Bekoe’s shows, The Windy City Hour and Mornings With Bekoe, are scheduled to end on May 28. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Follow Bekoe on Instagram and Twitter @officialbekoe.

‘The Fall Guy’ follows Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), a stuntman for world-famous actor Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) who abandons the industry and his girlfriend, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt), following an accident on set. When Ryder is cast in a new film directed by Moreno, Seavers is lured back into the game later by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham) at what he believes is the request of his ex. But arriving on set, he learns it’s because Meyer needs him to track down Ryder, who’s gone missing. As he tries to bring back the star, reconnect with Moreno and save the film, Seavers finds himself a real-life stuntman as he lands in the middle of international crimes much bigger than he had imagined. Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder shares his thoughts on the film, which he describes as “an action movie on steroids” — though it has some flaws. ‘The Fall Guy’ landed in theaters on May 3. Find showtimes at thefallguymovie.com. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Chicago photographer Kenn Cook Jr. highlights the beauty of his West Side home with new project #MyWestSideStory. Already a community advocate, working with organizations benefiting the West Side like the NAACP, Cook found his advocacy niche in documenting the everyday life of his family and neighbors through photography. He showcases the spirit of the West Side with rich, authentic portraits, and hopes to encourage future generations to continue the community’s culture and keep fighting for positive change. This is what his Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. See some of Kenn Cook Jr.’s work at bykenncook.com or @bykenncook on Instagram.

On April 27, the South Chicago Dance Theatre leapt into its seventh season at the Auditorium Theatre. Founded by Kia Smith in 2017, the dance company has performed on stages across the globe. Their 2024 performance, titled “New Horizons,” included six works by five outsourced choreographers, and one by Smith herself. The company centers on concert dance, a culmination of styles including ballet and Afro-jazz intentionally created for the stage. Before the performance, founder and executive artistic director Kia Smith sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss the company’s roots and what audiences can expect from their performance. This interview was edited and produced by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date with the South Chicago Dance Theatre, follow them on Instagram @southchicagodancetheatre

Set against the backdrop of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green public housing project in the early ‘90s, ‘We Grown Now' (written and directed by Minhal Baig) follows the lives of two young boys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of their community. Reggie "The Reel Critic" Ponder spoke with Blake Cameron James and Jurnee Smollett, who play the characters Malik and Dolores, to hear more about the film. ‘We Grown Now’ is playing at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center until May 2. "The Reel Critic" is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Reggie “The Reel Critic” Ponder gives his insights into ‘Challengers,’ a new sports romance drama from director Luca Guadagnino. The film stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a tennis star-turned-coach amid a messy, decades-long love triangle with her husband Art (Mike Faist) and his best friend Partick (Josh O’Connor). 'Challengers' blurs the lines between love and competition, guiding viewers through a tale where tennis is a backdrop to the intense battle for affection and dominance. ‘Challengers’ is in theaters now. “The Reel Critic” is hosted and produced by Reggie Ponder. Follow Reggie on Twitter and Instagram @TheReelCritic, and on Facebook @ReggieTheReelCritic.

Monica Trinidad is a queer Latin visual artist, communicator, and cultural strategist from the South Side of Chicago, committed to amplifying marginalized voices through combining art and activism. Trinidad’s activism blossomed during their college years, where they first explored anti-war movements and recognized the power of young voices as a catalyst for change. This is what their Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was produced by Ari Mejia. Keep up with Monica Trinidad on Instagram at @itsmonicatrinidad.

The co-founders of recurring party Lovers and Friends, Keli Knight and Yoly Rojas, create inclusive spaces for Black and Brown lesbians and queer people over 30. Immediately successful with packed guest lists and lines out the door from day one, Lovers and Friends recently celebrated their one-year anniversary. They sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to talk about the mission behind Lovers and Friends, the one-year anniversary bash and Yoly's experience on Netflix's "The Ultimatum: Queer Love." This interview was produced and edited by Nudia Hernandez. To stay up to date on Lovers and Friends Chicago events, follow them on Instagram @loversandfriendschi.